According
to LawnStarter.com, New
Orleans has been listed just below New York City as the seventh dirtiest city
in the U.S., in a study of 200 of the biggest cities across the country. This
conclusion was determined based on many factors including, but not limited to:
mice or rat infestations, waste regulations, air quality, water quality, pollution,
and litter. LawnStarter notes, "The filthiest cities are often also the
largest, as five of the 10 most populated U.S. cities found their way into our own
Top 10 list. These megacities performed especially badly in our
living-conditions metrics..."
Many
notable big cities scored much better than New Orleans in the rankings, such as
Chicago, Las Vegas, and San Francisco. New Orleans's cockroach problem could be
particularly blameworthy for its unappealing ranking, as warm subtropical
climates provide ideal conditions that encourage increased bug problems
throughout big cities. LawnStarter's ranking also analyzed the number of homes within
big cities that report having mold—a significant aspect to consider in a city
like New Orleans that is prone to flooding, heavy rainstorms, and weighty
humidity levels.
For
a city like New Orleans, this study is particularly important, because New
Orleans relies heavily on its tourism industry for revenue. In the midst of the
COVID-19 pandemic, many of New Orleans's most famous tourist hot spots
including the French Quarter have already taken a hit financially following
last year's lockdown and this year's capacity restrictions. This study may
worsen the blow. Additionally, air quality plays a huge role in the COVID-19
pandemic, a virus that largely affects the respiratory system. It is important that
air quality throughout New Orleans improves. Overall, it is important that this
study encourages New Orleanians to consider ways in which this ranking can be
changed for the better. Cleaner cities host happier and healthier residents.
New Orleans is a city rich in culture and historical infrastructure that must
be preserved and protected.
